Imagine cruising down a sunny street, the wind in your hair, your longboard gliding effortlessly beneath you. It’s a feeling of freedom and fun! But before you can experience that joy, you need a great longboard. The problem is, picking the right one can feel like a puzzle. So many companies make longboards, and each one seems to offer something different.
It’s tough to know where to start. Do you want a board for carving smooth turns, cruising around town, or maybe even downhill racing? With so many choices, you might worry about picking a board that doesn’t fit your style or budget. You might also wonder which companies are known for making high-quality, durable boards that will last.
That’s where we come in! This post will guide you through the exciting world of longboard companies. We’ll explore some of the best brands out there, highlighting what makes them special. You’ll learn about their unique features, what kind of riders they’re best for, and what makes them stand out. By the end, you’ll have a much clearer idea of which longboard company might be your perfect match.
Our Top 5 Longboard Companies Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Longboard Companies Detailed Reviews
1. Aware Complete 38″ Longboard wt 150mm Silver Reverse Kingpin Trucks
Rating: 8.6/10
The Aware Complete 38″ Longboard is a fantastic ride for anyone, from beginners to experienced skaters. It’s built with quality materials to give you a smooth and fun experience, whether you’re just cruising around or tackling some hills. The stylish design and clear blue wheels make it look as good as it rides.
What We Like:
- The 7-ply Canadian maple deck is strong and gives a natural look.
- Large, soft blue wheels (65x47mm 78A) help you control your ride and handle bumps.
- Reverse kingpin trucks make carving and pumping feel super easy.
- ABEC-7 bearings and rubber risers create a smooth and comfortable ride.
- It’s a complete package, ready to go for cruising the boardwalk or your favorite street.
- It’s a great longboard for people of all ages.
What Could Be Improved:
- The natural wood color might show dirt more easily over time.
- While great for cruising, it might not be the best choice for advanced tricks.
This longboard offers a fantastic blend of performance and style for everyday cruising. It’s a solid choice for anyone looking for a fun and reliable board.
2. Paris Truck Company V3 180mm 50 Degree Longboard Trucks – Polished Silver
Rating: 8.6/10
The Paris Truck Company V3 180mm 50 Degree Longboard Trucks in Polished Silver are built for serious longboarders. These trucks offer amazing strength and a smooth ride. They are designed to handle whatever you throw at them, from carving down hills to cruising around town.
What We Like:
- Incredible Strength: Paris uses a special process to make these trucks super strong. They mix casting, forging, and extrusion to create a molecular structure that’s tougher than other cast trucks.
- Built to Last: These trucks have a T6 heat-treatment. This makes them even stronger and more durable, so they will last a long time.
- Tougher Design: The shoulders on the hanger are wider. The barrel diameter of the hanger is bigger too. The baseplate also has a reinforced support beam. These changes make the trucks even stronger.
- Smooth Turns: The redesigned top conical bushing and hand-poured urethane pivot cups give you an ultra-smooth turn. You get a great riding experience right away.
- Beautiful Finish: The polished silver looks really cool on any longboard.
What Could Be Improved:
- Price Point: These high-performance trucks might be a bit pricier than basic options, which could be a concern for some budgets.
- Weight: While strong, they might be a little heavier than some ultra-lightweight trucks, which could matter for competitive riders.
If you want the best strength and a super smooth ride from your longboard trucks, the Paris V3s are an excellent choice. They are built to perform and last.
3. Precision ABEC 9 Speed Skateboard and Longboard Bearings
Rating: 9.2/10
Get ready to shred with the Precision ABEC 9 Speed Skateboard and Longboard Bearings! These bearings are built for speed and endurance, promising a smoother ride for your skateboard or longboard. They are made with super-strong stainless steel and meet a high ABEC 9 standard, which means they are incredibly precise. This set comes with everything you need to upgrade all four of your wheels, plus special spacers to make them even better.
What We Like:
- These ultra-precision stainless steel bearings will make your board roll faster and smoother than ever before.
- They are manufactured to the high ABEC 9 standard, meaning they are very accurate and perform exceptionally well.
- The set includes four Rockwell 48 hardened stainless steel bearing spacers. These spacers help your bearings work their best and last longer.
- You get a full set of bearings, enough for all four wheels on your skateboard or longboard.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the stainless steel is durable, some riders might prefer even more robust materials for extreme conditions.
- The ABEC 9 classification is excellent, but for the absolute highest speeds in competitive racing, there are even more specialized options available.
These bearings are a fantastic upgrade for any skater looking for improved performance. They deliver speed and reliability for countless rides.
4. Rayne Longboards Nae Nae Complete Dancing Longboard Lime (HRL-2020-NAE-40-LIM-COMP)
Rating: 8.9/10
The Rayne Longboards Nae Nae Complete Dancing Longboard in Lime is a fantastic choice for anyone looking to get into longboard dancing. This board is built for smooth rides and stylish moves. Rayne Longboards makes boards for all kinds of riders, so whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, they have something for you. This particular board is designed for dancing, which means it’s stable and has plenty of room to move your feet around. The lime color also makes it stand out and look super cool.
What We Like:
- Versatile: Great for dancing and other riding styles.
- Eco-Friendly: Made with recycled materials, which is good for the planet.
- High Quality: Rayne uses good materials to build their boards.
- Ready to Ride: Comes as a complete setup, so you can start skating right away.
- Eye-Catching Design: The lime color is bright and fun.
What Could Be Improved:
- Origin: Manufactured in China, which some people might have concerns about.
- Availability: Sometimes these boards can be hard to find.
This Rayne Nae Nae dancing longboard offers a fun and eco-conscious way to cruise and dance. It’s a great board for learning new tricks and enjoying the outdoors.
5. Paris Truck Company V3 180mm 50 Degree Longboard Trucks – Tiffany
Rating: 9.4/10
The Paris Truck Company V3 180mm 50 Degree Longboard Trucks in Tiffany and Black are a fantastic upgrade for any longboarder. These trucks are built for smooth rides and reliable performance, making them a top choice for cruising and carving. The 180mm hanger width offers stability, while the 50-degree baseplate provides a good balance of turning ability. Plus, the Tiffany and Black colorway adds a stylish touch to your setup.
What We Like:
- Smooth turning for easy carving and cruising.
- Durable construction that holds up to regular use.
- Stable 180mm hanger width for confidence at speed.
- Stylish Tiffany and Black color combination.
- Great value for a high-quality truck.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 50-degree baseplate might feel a bit too turny for absolute beginners wanting maximum stability.
- While durable, the finish might show minor scuffs over time with aggressive riding.
These Paris V3 trucks offer a superb blend of performance and style. They will definitely take your longboarding experience to the next level.
Choosing Your Perfect Ride: A Longboard Buying Guide
Longboarding is a fantastic way to cruise, carve, and even dance! But with so many companies out there, picking the right longboard can feel tricky. This guide helps you understand what makes a great longboard and how to find the one that’s perfect for you.
1. Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping, keep these important parts in mind:
- Deck Shape: This is the flat part you stand on. Different shapes are good for different things.
- Deck Size: It affects how stable and easy to turn your board is.
- Wheel Size and Hardness: These change how smoothly you roll and how much grip you have.
- Trucks: These are the metal parts that hold the wheels. They help you steer.
- Bearings: These tiny rings let your wheels spin fast and smooth.
2. Important Materials
What your longboard is made of matters a lot!
Deck Materials
- Maple: This is the most common wood for decks. It’s strong, flexible, and affordable. Most decks use several layers of maple glued together.
- Bamboo: Bamboo is lighter than maple and offers a more springy feel. It’s also more eco-friendly!
- Fiberglass and Carbon Fiber: These materials make decks super strong and lightweight. They are often used with wood for extra performance.
Truck Materials
- Most trucks are made from aluminum. This makes them light and strong enough for riding.
Wheel Materials
- Longboard wheels are usually made from polyurethane (PU). The hardness of the PU affects how they ride.
3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Some things make a longboard better, and others make it less good.
Quality Boosters
- Good Construction: A well-made deck feels solid and doesn’t flex too much or too little.
- High-Quality Components: Smooth bearings, durable trucks, and wheels that grip well make a big difference.
- Reputable Brands: Companies known for making good longboards often use better materials and have better designs.
Quality Reducers
- Cheap Materials: Boards made with flimsy wood or low-quality plastic parts won’t last long.
- Poor Assembly: If parts aren’t put together well, the board might feel wobbly or break easily.
- Generic Brands: Sometimes, very cheap boards from unknown brands might not be built with care.
4. User Experience and Use Cases
How you plan to use your longboard is key to choosing the right one.
Cruising
For just rolling around town, you want a comfortable board. A longer deck with soft wheels is great for smooth rides over bumps. These boards are usually stable and easy to balance on.
Carving
If you like making smooth, flowing turns, a carving longboard is for you. These boards often have a bit of flex and trucks that let you lean into turns easily. They feel like surfing on land!
Downhill
For going fast down hills, you need a stable board. These decks are usually stiff and have a lower profile to the ground. They offer great control at high speeds.
Freestyle/Dancing
For tricks and dancing on your board, you need a deck that’s flat and often has kicktails (bent-up ends). These boards are more versatile and let you do spins and flips.
No matter your style, a good longboard from a trusted company will give you hours of fun and adventure!
Longboard Company FAQs
Q: What are the main Key Features I should look for in a longboard?
A: The main Key Features are the deck shape, deck size, wheel size and hardness, trucks, and bearings. These parts all work together to make your board ride a certain way.
Q: What is the best material for a longboard deck?
A: Maple is a very popular and strong material for decks. Bamboo is lighter and offers a more flexible ride. Some high-performance boards use fiberglass or carbon fiber too.
Q: How do trucks affect my longboard’s quality?
A: Good quality trucks, usually made of strong aluminum, help your board steer smoothly and stay stable. Cheap trucks might be wobbly and break easily.
Q: What’s the difference between hard and soft longboard wheels?
A: Soft wheels grip the road better and absorb bumps for a smoother ride, making them great for cruising. Hard wheels are faster and slide easier, good for tricks and downhill.
Q: How does deck size change how a longboard rides?
A: Longer decks are more stable and better for cruising or downhill riding. Shorter decks are easier to turn and more agile for tricks.
Q: Are expensive longboards always better?
A: Not always, but reputable brands that charge more often use higher-quality materials and better designs. You usually get what you pay for, but do your research!
Q: What’s the most important part for a smooth ride?
A: The wheels and bearings are very important for a smooth ride. Soft wheels and good quality bearings let you roll over rough surfaces easily.
Q: Can I use a longboard for commuting?
A: Yes! Many people use longboards for commuting. A stable, comfortable board with good wheels is best for getting around town.
Q: What is a “kicktail” on a longboard?
A: A kicktail is the upturned end of a longboard deck. It helps you do tricks, pop the board up, and make sharper turns.
Q: How often should I replace my longboard wheels?
A: You usually need to replace wheels when they get worn down or flat spots form from sliding. With normal riding, they can last a long time.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
Hi, I’m Hector Quintanilla, the creator of helmetslab.com.. As a passionate enthusiast and experienced expert in helmets, I’ve dedicated this platform to sharing my insights, knowledge, and hands-on experiences. Whether you’re seeking the best helmet for safety, comfort, or performance, my goal is to guide you with detailed reviews, tips, and advice. Ride safe, and let’s explore the world of helmets together!